Cocktails That Complement Cupcakes: New Molly's to Serve Booze

Cupcakes and booze? Yes, when Molly's Cupcakes opens in mid-December, guests will have a menu of signature cocktails to accompany their cupcakes. And if business goes well — and Navy Pier-area tourists take a liking to the location — expect even more Molly's to open in the Chicago area and beyond.

"It's amazing how well [cupcakes and drinks] go together,"  said franchisee Bindu Illuri, after trying out some of the drinks that Molly's employees will pour in Streeterville. The liquor license sets Streeterville apart from the original Molly's Cupcakes in Lincoln Park. Streeterville will also serve beer and wine with plans to offer monthly alcohol tastings.

They're shooting for a Dec. 15 opening date at 419 E. Illinois St., as that's National Cupcake Day. The insides look to be a modern twist on the vintage schoolyard motif started in Lincoln Park. So expect a few park swings to bring back those childhood memories. The windows off Illinois Street will swing open, and there's also seating by those windows. Overall, there's seating for about 46 inside.

Illuri and her group, Vault food and beverage, are the exclusive Molly's franchisee in Illinois. She sees the Streeterville spot, next to the nation's first Target that serves booze, as an attractive spot that will lure business from residents at nearby high rises and tourists making their ways to Navy Pier.

Illuri wants to ensure they carry out Molly's mission of aiding the less fortunate. Over the weekend, they stopped off in Wrigleyville to hand out cupcake vouchers at the Madonna House shelter.